Source: Team_Talk
Diamond preparing for battle
Zander Diamond today branded Aberdeen's Clydesdale Bank Premier League game against Falkirk tomorrow as probably the biggest of his career.[LNB] Defender Diamond, 24, has spent his entire seven-year professional career at Pittodrie and cannot recall a more important fixture.[LNB]The Dons have been sucked into a relegation battle and defeat tomorrow would see rock-bottom Falkirk close to within three points.[LNB]Asked if it was the most important game of his career, Diamond said: "Probably.[LNB]"(There is) more at stake in this game and hopefully we can come through the other side."[LNB]He added: "We're in the bottom six. We've not got enough points to merit being away from the relegation battle.[LNB]"The whole dressing room has got to realise that we are in a relegation tussle and we're the only ones who can get ourselves out.[LNB]"There's no point feeling sorry for ourselves."[LNB]Diamond has told his team-mates to forget about trying to play pretty football tomorrow, warning them to expect "a battle".[LNB]"From one to 11 we need to be prepared for it, mentally, physically," he said.[LNB]"We need to do the dirty side of the game and hopefully pull away from it."[LNB]Aberdeen have spent all week trying to rally their supporters in a bid to ensure a bumper turnout at Pittodrie tomorrow.[LNB]Asked what his message would be to the fans, Diamond said: "Apologise for the season we've had already.[LNB]"But hopefully we can get the three points and build for next season.[LNB]"We just need to get ourselves out of the rut we're in now."[LNB]Manager Mark McGhee reckons Sunday's defeat by St Johnstone finally convinced his players they were in real danger of going down.[LNB]"Some of the players until after the St Johnstone game hadn't really believed that we were in this position," he said.[LNB]"I think that has dawned on them."[LNB]Like Diamond, McGhee believes tomorrow's match is among the most important of his career.[LNB]"It's not just this game; it's the next five games and what we need out of those five games," he said.[LNB]"Obviously, we all hope that we get what we need tomorrow.[LNB]"It's as important as any situation I've ever been in.[LNB]"I'll have to find some sort of message for them before they go out on to the pitch.[LNB]"Clearly, whatever message I've been getting through to them hasn't lasted.[LNB]"There's more to it than just a fancy message from me we've all got to dig deep inside, but I will be putting a message to them which will hopefully see them go on to win the game.[LNB]"The way I've prepared them is not to expect it to be easy.[LNB]"Don't expect to win tomorrow and for it to be all over.[LNB]"That's the dream ticket and it might happen of course but just imagine we're going to have to dig in for five games and stay focused until it's over."[LNB]
